MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate has arrested two men in connection with a transnational narcotics trafficking syndicate operated by Salim Ismail Dola, a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim, and his associates. The agency has alleged that the suspects participated in the clandestine production of mephedrone, the acquisition of precursor chemicals, and the laundering of proceeds generated through the illegal drug trade.
The Mumbai Zonal Office of the federal agency took Pravin, also known as Nagesh Ramchandra Shinde, and Brijesh Kanjibhai Moradiya into custody as part of an ongoing investigation into the organised narcotics network. According to investigators, the syndicate's operations span the entire chain of illegal activities, including the sourcing of chemicals, unauthorized manufacturing, interstate distribution, international smuggling, and the movement of funds through hawala channels.
Investigators revealed that Shinde was directly involved in the illegal production of mephedrone, commonly known as MD, as well as managing and utilizing the financial proceeds derived from its sale. The probe indicates that drug money was used to purchase real estate and other assets under the names of individuals closely tied to Shinde.
Meanwhile, Moradiya allegedly handled the arrangement and procurement of essential precursor chemicals required to manufacture the synthetic drug. The Enforcement Directorate stated that cash payments for these materials were funneled from Salim Dola through traditional Angadiya channels. These funds were subsequently deposited into multiple bank accounts belonging to third parties, family members, and entities managed by Moradiya.
From those accounts, money was transferred to various chemical companies to buy raw materials. Investigators also found that Moradiya and his associates received funds disguised as sales commissions, which were then layered through complex transactions and utilized further.
This follows a series of raids conducted by the agency across 21 locations in Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar, and Rajkot on June 2 and 3, 2026. Those search operations targeted chemical suppliers, traders, drug manufacturers, hawala operators, and persons suspected of holding benami properties acquired with narcotics proceeds.
During those raids, authorities seized or froze cash, foreign currency, gold bars, and bank balances valued at approximately Rs 1.33 crore, alongside 2,200 US dollars. Officials also recovered documents pointing to substantial real estate investments worth several crores of rupees in both India and Dubai, which were allegedly funded by the syndicate. The Enforcement Directorate indicated that further inquiries into the network are currently underway.